Poole Cancer Patient Support

Hints and Tips Getting There By Car: The main entrance is on Road about half a mile from the town centre. For users of sat nav the postcode is BH15 2JB.

By Bus: Wilts and Dorset Buses – Take the 11 from Bearwood, the M1/M2 from and the 15 from Winton and Moordown. For further information on routes and timetables contact them directly on 01202 673555 or visit their website at www.morebus.co.uk Yellow Buses – Take the R1/R2 from Bournemouth and the U10 from Winton. For further information on routes and timetables contact them directly on 01202 636000 or visit their website at www.yellowbuses.co.uk

Parking

There is a multi-storey car park close to the main Hospital entrance on Longfleet Road – it is well signposted from all directions.

There is a level covered walkway from the car park (level G) which leads to the main Hospital. A limited number of 20 minute bays are available by the main entrance for picking up and dropping off.

TIPS

* Allow at least 30 minutes for parking and getting to your appointment.

* Free parking is not available but it is possible to have a fixed fee by requesting a form from the Cancer Services Reception.

* There is limited parking at St Mary’s Maternity Hospital opposite Hospital. If you able to walk some distance there is street parking in Birds Hill Road and Churchill Road but it is limited to 2 hours.

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Treatment

Radiotherapy in Dorset is carried out at The Dorset Cancer Centre which can be found on the ground floor by the Courtyard entrance to the Hospital.

Poole Hospital can seem like a maze but instructions on finding the Centre are always sent with your appointment letter. If in doubt, the staff on the main reception desk are very helpful. Prior to treatment you will have a meeting with the Consultant to discuss your individual treatment needs and to explain what you can expect.

Your first appointment will be for planning. Specialised equipment, scans and x-ray simulation will be used to define exactly where the treatment will be delivered. At this time, it is likely that you will be given a list of appointments to attend. The number of appointments required will depend entirely on your individual needs.

You will find that the staff are very helpful in offering advice regarding what to expect and how to care for yourself whilst receiving treatment. Also, leaflets will be given to reinforce the information.

TIPS

* Always read the information sent with your appointment details.

* You may have to wait for treatment and it is advisable to take a good read and/or someone to wait with you.

* A drinks machine and water are always available but it is advisable to take a snack with you in case of any delays.

* Complimentary therapies can be made available to patients receiving cancer treatments and, if needed, a counselling service.

The information in this pack is accurate at the time of printing but hospital systems are always subject to change. If you find there are any such changes please contact one of the Champions. We hope that this information is helpful and if you want to talk to anyone about your experiences please let the surgery know and we can arrange for a champion to contact you.

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